Rowlesburg
History of Rowlesburg
Rowlesburg is a community steeped in historic beauty and charm. In 2008, Rowlesburg marked its Sesquicentennial, commemorating 180 years since its founding. Originally established as a railroad town, Rowlesburg witnessed its first train crossing the Cheat River on Christmas Day in 1852 during the peak of the Sawmill Industry. The town was officially designated a Historic District in 2005 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing over 50 historic buildings and a small park area at the time. The Nassif Building on Church Street stands as Rowlesburg's oldest surviving structure. Rowlesburg attained ON TRAC status in 2009 and became a Main Street Affiliate in 2021.
Rowlesburg Today: What Makes Us Unique
The community of Rowlesburg is exceptional not only for its friendly residents, a willingness to lend a helping hand, but its sports gatherings at Rowlesburg Park, art gallery, historical museums on Main Street and evening dances with live music.
The Rowlesburg community, set within magnificent mountains and hills and surrounded by the Cheat River, proudly features its festival schedule, including the famous Ox Roast, River City Festival of the Arts, Christmas Market, Chestnut Festival and much more. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Cheat River for its boating and kayaking, tubing and swimming experience.
World War II Museum
The memorable exhibit at the Szilagyi Center (old Rowlesburg School) showcases authentic military uniforms, memorabilia, medals, war posters and photographs.
Preston County Sports Museum
With ten high schools within Preston County, each with its own sports program, a group of representatives within the ten schools organized a museum in the Szilagyi Center highlighting the area’s sports history, including baseball, basketball and football. To add to the museum, many former athletes donated meaningful items.
Szilagyi Center for the Visual and Performing Arts
The Szilagyi Center for the Visual and Performing Arts is owned and operated by the Rowlesburg Revitalization Committee, Inc. The renovated building is home to the WWII Museum, B & O Depot and Museum, Riverbend Art Studio and the Preston County Sports Museum. The center has rooms available to rent for corporate gatherings.
Tray Run Viaduct
Unique to Rowlesburg, visitors can view the Tray Run Viaduct sitting high on the hill, in late fall or early spring, with less leaf coverage. The historic railroad bridge operates today and is the infamous bridge on the back of the West Virginia State Seal.
Cannon Hill
Known as a strategic location in the Battle of Rowlesburg during the Civil War, visitors can view the Cheat River and the railroad bridge that was the focus of the battle from the heights of Cannon Hill. Tours are available from May through October via the Rowlesburg Area Historical Society.
Allegheny Trail
Rowlesburg is situated near the Allegheny Trail, which runs through the forested hills of West Virginia from the Pennsylvania border until it meets the Appalachian Trail on Peters Mountain at the Virginia border. Nature lovers will love the beautiful vistas and wildlife viewable along the trail, whether they seek a short day trip or enjoy a multi-day excursion.
River House Boat Exploration
Rent a boat at the River House Lodge and cruise down the Cheat River Water Trail, immersing yourself in the beautiful scenery Rowlesburg has to offer.
Rowlesburg School
Home of the River Lions, Rowlesburg School offers programming for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade.
Rowlesburg Senior Center
The Rowlesburg Senior Center is one location of Preston County Senior Citizens, Inc. Residents of age 60 or older find the Center an excellent source for healthy activities, camaraderie and programming for health, medical and financial needs.
River City Festival of the Arts
Rowlesburg is famous for its variety of festivals from May through December. Bringing the community together, the River City Festival of the Arts portrays a living history performance, symphony and band performances and much more.
Labor Day Ox Roast
Rowlesburg Park is the site of the Annual Labor Day Ox Roast, featuring live music, food, fireworks and a variety of kid-friendly activities.
Annual West Virginia Chestnut Festival
Held in the fall, the Chestnut Festival celebrates the beauty of Autumn with community activities including breakfast in the River City Cafe, park activities on the bank of the Cheat River, sampling and purchasing savory roasted chestnuts and local vendors selling authentic crafts and wares.
Christmas Mart
The Annual Christkindlmarkt features an abundance of vendors displaying their original Christmas gifts. The festive environment is complete with live music, food, Christmas decorations and crafts.
Rowlesburg Park
The multi-acre community park is enjoyed by all, with riverside space including a lighted walking path, basketball courts, baseball fields, tennis court, river access, picnic pavilions perfect for barbecues. There’s even a summer concession stand for grabbing a snack in the sun! The park is equipped to house reunions, parties and picnics. Cheat Mountain is just 10 miles east of Rowlesburg Park.
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Population
Population
Population | 2000 | 2010 | 2023 | 2028 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rowlesburg | 568 | 510 | 447 | 444 |
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
Population by Age
Population | 2023 |
---|---|
0-4 | 13 |
5-9 | 21 |
10-14 | 19 |
15-19 | 25 |
20-24 | 14 |
25-29 | 19 |
30-34 | 27 |
35-39 | 29 |
40-44 | 21 |
45-49 | 18 |
50-54 | 32 |
55-59 | 41 |
60-64 | 48 |
65-69 | 50 |
70-74 | 30 |
75-79 | 18 |
80-84 | 14 |
85+ | 8 |
18+ | 378 |
Median Age | 53 |
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
Population by Race
Rowlesburg | 2023 |
---|---|
Total | 447.00 |
White Alone | 96.87% |
Black Alone | 0.45% |
American Indian Alone | 0% |
Asian Alone | 0% |
Pacific Islander Alone | 0% |
Some Other Race | 0.22% |
Two or More Races | 2.46% |
Hispanic Origin | 1.12% |
Diversity Index | 8.20 |
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
Growth Rate
Rowlesburg | 2023 - 2028 |
---|---|
Population | -0.13% |
Households | 0.10% |
Families | 0.00% |
Median Household Income | 2% |
Per Capita Income | 3% |
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
Housing
Households
Population | 2000 | 2010 | 2023 | 2028 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Households | 261 | 256 | 207 | 208 |
Housing Units | 291 | 295 | 265 | 266 |
Owner Occupied Units | 177 | 177 | ||
Renter Occupied Units | 30 | 31 | ||
Vacant Units | 58 | 58 |
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
Home Value
Rowlesburg | 2023 | 2028 |
---|---|---|
Median Home Value | $105,469 | $125,000 |
Average Home Value | $129,096 | $149,576 |
<$50,000 | 46 | 41 |
$50,000 - $99,999 | 39 | 33 |
$100,000 - $149,999 | 32 | 29 |
$150,000 - $199,999 | 24 | 23 |
$200,000 - $249,999 | 10 | 10 |
$250,000 - $299,999 | 14 | 22 |
$300,000 - $399,999 | 11 | 17 |
$400,000 - $499,999 | 0 | 1 |
$500,000 - $749,999 | 1 | 1 |
$1,000,000 + | 0 | 0 |
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
Housing Year Built
Year Range | Houses Built |
---|---|
2010 or Later | 10 |
2000-2009 | 38 |
1990-1999 | 31 |
1980-1989 | 53 |
1970-1979 | 24 |
1960-1969 | 6 |
1950-1959 | 15 |
1940-1949 | 16 |
1939 or Before | 90 |
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
Back To TopIncome
Income
Rowlesburg | 2023 | 2028 |
---|---|---|
Median Household | $51,289 | $55,271 |
Average Household | $64,007 | $75,000 |
Per Capita | $29,641 | $35,135 |
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
Household Income
Rowlesburg | 2023 |
---|---|
<$15,000 | 32 |
$15,000 - $24,999 | 27 |
$25,000 - $34,999 | 20 |
$35,000 - $49,999 | 21 |
$50,000 - $74,999 | 44 |
$75,000 - $99,999 | 19 |
$100,000 - $149,999 | 35 |
$150,000 - $199,999 | 9 |
$200,000+ | 0 |
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
Back To TopEmployees
Commute
Category | Commuters |
---|---|
Workers 16+ | 181 |
In-County Residents | 106 |
Out-of-County Residents | 28 |
Drive Alone | 137 |
Carpooled | 35 |
Public Transport | 0 |
Work at Home | 5 |
Motorcycle | 0 |
Bicycle | 0 |
Walked | 4 |
Other | 0 |
Less than 5 minutes | 15 |
5-9 minutes | 25 |
10-14 minutes | 5 |
15-19 minutes | 4 |
20-24 minutes | 20 |
25-29 minutes | 23 |
30-34 minutes | 30 |
35-39 minutes | 7 |
40-44 minutes | 0 |
45-59 minutes | 20 |
60-89 minutes | 20 |
90+ minutes | 7 |
Average Travel Time | 0 |
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
Employees by NAICS
Category | Number |
---|---|
Total Employees | 117 |
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt | 0 |
Mining | 12 |
Utilities | 0 |
Construction | 0 |
Manufacturing | 0 |
Wholesale Trade | 0 |
Retail Trade | 12 |
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers | 0 |
Furn & Home Furnish Str | 0 |
Electronics & Appl Store | 0 |
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip | 0 |
Food & Beverage Stores | 10 |
Health/Pers Care Stores | 0 |
Gasoline Stations | 2 |
Clothing/Accessory Store | 0 |
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music | 0 |
General Merchandise Str | 0 |
Transportation/Warehouse | 3 |
Information | 0 |
Finance & Insurance | 4 |
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn | 4 |
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv | 0 |
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other | 0 |
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing | 0 |
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv | 0 |
Legal Services | 0 |
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises | 0 |
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt | 0 |
Educational Services | 39 |
HealthCare/Social Assist | 8 |
Arts/Entertainment/Rec | 3 |
Accommodation/Food Srvcs | 2 |
Accommodation | 0 |
Food Srv/Drinking Places | 2 |
Other Srv excl Pub Admin | 2 |
Auto Repair/Maintenance | 0 |
Public Administration Emp | 32 |
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
Educational Attainment (25+)
Rowlesburg | 2023 |
---|---|
<9th Grade | 10 |
Some High School | 35 |
GED | 12 |
Graduated High School | 176 |
Some College/No Degree | 47 |
Associates Degree | 19 |
Bachelor's Degree | 28 |
Graduate Degree | 28 |
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
Back To TopBusinesses
Businesses by NAICS
Category | Number |
---|---|
Total Businesses | 18 |
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus | 0 |
Mining Bus | 1 |
Utilities Bus | 0 |
Construction Bus | 0 |
Manufacturing Bus | 0 |
Wholesale Trade Bus | 0 |
Retail Trade Bus | 3 |
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers Bus | 0 |
Furn & Home Furnish Str Bus | 0 |
Electronics & Appl Store Bus | 0 |
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip Bus | 0 |
Food & Beverage Stores Bus | 2 |
Health/Pers Care Stores Bus | 0 |
Gasoline Stations Bus | 1 |
Clothing/Accessory Store Bus | 0 |
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music Bus | 0 |
General Merchandise Str Bus | 0 |
Transportation/Warehouse Bus | 1 |
Information Bus | 0 |
Finance & Insurance Bus | 1 |
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn Bus | 1 |
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv Bus | 0 |
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other Bus | 0 |
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus | 0 |
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus | 0 |
Legal Services Bus | 0 |
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus | 0 |
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus | 0 |
Educational Services Bus | 2 |
HealthCare/Social Assist Bus | 1 |
Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus | 1 |
Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus | 1 |
Accommodation Bus | 0 |
Food Srv/Drinking Places Bus | 1 |
Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus | 1 |
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus | 0 |
Public Administration Bus | 5 |
Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17
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